By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After a runner-up finish in the NCAA, the San Beda Red Lions are advancing to the final four in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) after taking down the UST Growling Tigers, 77-68.
The signature Red Lions defense smothered UST’s mayhem offense, containing them to just 27 points in the first half, one of their lowest outputs since coach Aldin Ayo’s arrival.
Also, their effort on defense fueled San Beda’s offense as they were able to force turnovers for easy deuces to rack the highest lead up to 17, 65-48.
UST attempted a fierce late rally in the fourth, cutting the 17-point lead to just five, 67-62, but the Red Lions managed to have another scoring run that sealed the game.
San Beda will join the UP Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles as the first three to qualify to the final four.
